Zabrocki Accused Of `Double-dipping'

May 24, 1995|By Ann Piasecki.

Tinley Park — Democratic foes are accusing Mayor Edward Zabrocki, who is also the newly elected Republican representative of the 37th legislative district, of "doing a disservice" to his constituents by maintaining two elected positions.

On Monday, the South Suburban Leadership Council presented the Village Board with a petition with nearly 2,200 signatures from registered voters throughout the 37th District.

Spearheaded by Kathleen Hynes of Orland Park, the petition is aimed at forcing Zabrocki to resign either as mayor or representative.

In a letter addressed to Zabrocki, Kathleen Hynes wrote, "It is the position of the (council) that by continuing to serve in two elected offices, you are doing a disservice to the people of the 37th District."

The position of the council drew the ire of Zabrocki, who said the petition is nothing other than politically motivated. He added that it was purposely presented to the Village Board on an evening when he was scheduled to be in legislative session in Springfield.

"The people of the 37th District spoke in November (on this issue)," Zabrocki said Tuesday. "From Day 1, I've always indicated that if I was successful in the election-and I was-I would maintain my position as mayor of Tinley Park. And the people who both voted for me and against me, voted their conscience.

"What (the SSLC) calls a disservice, I call a positive service. I come from two spheres of influence, the municipal and the state. (As a representative), I serve on the cities and municipalities committee, because of my background," Zabrocki said.

Village records indicate that, out of 15 meetings since January, the mayor has missed two regular board meetings and one meeting that was continued until later. State records show that Zabrocki has missed two legislative session days out of 58 as of Tuesday.

Village trustees are split on their opinions about Zabrocki's current level of effectiveness on municipal issues. Political allies, Trustees Patrick Rea and David Seaman, perceive the issue as null. Serving two elected positions at once is nothing new, said Rea, "others have done the same thing."

Trustee Gregory Hannon, a political opponent, believes that eventually village matters will suffer from the mayor's absence.

As for "double dipping," Zabrocki said, "I make $7,500 a year as mayor, part-time. As state representative, I make $42,500. I hardly call that double-dipping."

The 37th District has about 56,000 constituents and includes Tinley Park, Orland Park, and portions of Country Club Hills, Homewood, Flossmoor and Hazel Crest.